Running lights and differential parking systems for vehicles

ABSTRACT

A system and alternate companion systems for visually signaling pedestrians and other motorists that the electrical ignition apparatus of the motor of a vehicle is electrically energized, whereby such persons may be apprised in the interest of safety, whether or not a condition exists that is essential to motor operation. The system entails visual signaling lamps directed outwardly from all sides of the vehicle that are in electrical parallel with the electrical ignition apparatus, voltage regulator or alternator, so as to be concurrently energized therewith. The system optionally includes means for interrupting energization of the electrical ignition apparatus and the lamps immediately prior to and after rotating the motor for starting purposes, such means preferably being incorporated in a conventional multipurpose so-called &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;ignition switch&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; and operative to burnish an electrical contact of the latter during an actuating movement thereof.

United States Patent 2 w .w m .w m 0 m N g m m m w Wm m m e m nM o .wmwc B w I m mm m mm d a: m em m .mw Hm Pm HA 0 m m3 Wm w 2 S G m WM mp. Je Gum mm Um m v Wm R m 0 v m RDFm m M m v f signaling pedestrians andother motorists that the elec- [22] Flled' 1970 trical ignitionapparatus of the motor of a vehicle is [21] Appl. No.: 9,838 felectrically energized, whereby such persons may be;

apprised in the interest of safety, whether or not a condition existsthat is essential to motor operation.gtsjg-uu......-..........................--340/74, 'r sysem t il i l igali g lan ps directed out-, [58] Field o'tf 3 wardly from all sides ofthe vehicle that are in electri-' 82 12,9 6 6 cal Parallel with theelectrical ignition apparatus, voltage regulator or alternator, so as tobe concurrently energized therewith. The system optionally includesmeans for interrupting energization of the electricali ignitionapparatus and the lamps immediately prior to [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS and after rotating the motor for startingpurposes, such means preferably being incorporated in a con- 3,34l,7369/1967 Fortney ...................340/54 X 3,110,012 11/1963Manning..................340/87 X entional m "mos 11 switch" d 3,214,73010/1965 Prewitt 340/52 D v p 8 so gm 1 an operative to burnish anelectrical contact of the latter a during an actuating movement thereof.

PATENTED NOV 2 8 I972 SHEET 1 [IF 3 Ram START OFF ACC.

mm Nm 5 WW ma m Z F E C m V Q. B 3 Q M y 4J7 K ATTORNEY PA'TENTEnnnvzs1972 SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR.

VINCENT J. WALTER ATTORNEY RUNNING LIGHTS AND DIFFERENTIAL PARKINGSYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES The present invention relates to new and usefulimprovements in visual signaling systems of motor vehicles, and moreparticularly pertains to the provision of means for positively signalingto persons remote from a motor vehicle the existence of a condition thatmust exist during the starting of and the running of the vehicle smotor.

The invention was basically developed from the fact that the presentvehicles do not have a parking system since tradition allows the sametaillight means to be also used for a parking system. Thus these type ofuniversal objectives only tend to confuse the public.

Since parking lights were rarely used, it was deemed that theseso-called parking lights were urgently needed for lifesaving runninglights. Thus we bring forth the fact that the parking light circuitryshould be independent and visually different from the red tail and ambercolored running lights.

Hereinafter various preferred running light plans bring forth a new typeof parking system; while the universal system is still maintained in twoplans to correspond to the existent parking system. While one systemilluminates the new running lights when the headlight switch knob ispulled to its extreme position, the second system is full time andautomatic in companionship with the accessory side of any ignitionswitch. Thus parking lights are produced by the ignition switch when thekey is turned to the ACC position or by the usual intermediate positionof the headlight switch. The ignition key is favored in view ofoperative concenience.

The primary object of the invention is to afford appropriate recognitionlights for day and nighttime usage so that each vehicle can be easilyrecognized from any side in any adverse circumstance (fog, steam, ice,smoke, or dust in combination with the many poor lighting and colorconditions) for the common denominators of safety.

It will be hereinafter readily understood that perceptive unawareness isthe major cause of accidents since it is only logical that if the driverof the first party knew the driver of the second party was there, hewould most certainly avoid these fatal contacts.

An important safety concept is produced by running lights when aninoperative headlight occurs since a dimensional pattern will theneliminate vagueness or conjecture. Pull-out protection that is createdby the failure of the operator to pull out the headlight switch controlknob is another important object.

Another feature is the advance blinking of the taillights in variousstarting sequences prior to back-up light selection or rearwardmovements.

While a natural battery drain condition blinks the said lights, thecondition of various starting motor armature segments accentuates thesesignals. In converse the generator speed intensifies the illuminationfor another recognizable signal.

As an alternate companion system for side running lights, the generatorcircuit and/or the alternator means provides illumination that reducesbattery drain while energizing the starting circuitry and its runninglight circuitry. While this type of signaling is not as responsive, selfevident, and even delayed for proper motor speeds, it is deemedsufficient for full time side running lights.

Since human error is inevitable, the invention forces the public to nowmake a proper selection by the now so-called master ignition switch forthese genuine running lights providing a distinguishable differentparking system is adopted.

While revampment of the headlight switch circuitry was deemed worthy fornighttime running light usage, human errors demanded a full time andautomatic system. i

An object of the invention is to enable persons viewing a motor vehicleor automobile to determine, even from a remote location, if such motoris running or that an operator selected and controlled conditionessential to motor operation exists; especially such persons whoseproper decisions, courses of action, and acts of defense, or precautionsmay necessitate knowledge of whether the motor of such vehicle isrunning or not.

Another important object of the invention in accordance with theforegoing object isto enable such persons to determine that an attempt,whether successful or not, is being made to start the motor of thevehicle.

Yet another important object of the invention is to enable realizationof the foregoing objects by the mak- I ing of a minor modification ofextant and conventional so-called igni-tion switches so as to deenergizethe ignition system as the ignition switch is moved intermediate thestarting and running positions thereof.

A final object of the invention to be specifically enumerated is toprovide a conventional ignition switch with means operative to effectburnishing of a switch contact while interrupting an electrical circuitthrough such contact upon manual actuation of such ignition switch.

Broadly, the subject invention involves, in combination with a vehicleof the type wherein the motor thereof includes an electrical ignitionsystem, with such system including a primary ignition circuit comprisedof a breaker switch and a primary ignition coil in electrical series,and abattery and an ignition switch in electrical series for selectivelysupplying the electrical potential of the battery to the electricalseries arrangement of the breaker switch and the primary coil; theimprovement comprising electrical lamp means mounted on the vehicleoperative in response to electrical energization thereof to direct lightoutwardly from the vehicle and thereby to be luminously visable from aposition remote from the vehicle, said lamp means being connected to theprimary ignition circuit in electrical parallel with the electricalseries arrangement of the breaker switch and the primary coil forconcurrent energization with the latter, whereby a luminous visualindication can be given to persons remote fromthe vehicle that theignition circuit of the vehicle is energized.

An important feature of my invention, in a motor vehicle, involvesconnecting in electrical parallel with electrical ignition apparatus ofthe vehicles motor, so as to energize solely concurrently therewith, anelectrically operated means for visually signaling to a position remotefrom the vehicle.

Another important feature of the invention is the mounting of anelectrically insulative burnishing element in an ignition switch in aposition to be slidably engaged by a contact during manual actuation ofsuch switch.

These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of theinvention will become apparent in the light of the ensuing descriptionof a preferred embodiment of the invention, such description to be takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrative thereof,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary isometric illustration of the portion of anautomobile instrument panel inclusive of a key-type ignition switch,together with a legend indicating ignition switch positions;

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the ignition switch;

FIG. 3 is an axial view of the segment plate of the switch from a lockside thereof;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bridging member of the switch;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the ignitionsegment, its terminal, and the. bumishing element taken upon the planeof the section line 5-5 in FIG. 3; i I

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the terminal end of the switch andindicates the functional relationship of terminals thereof to the signallamps and electrical starter means of a motor vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the signaling system of the form of theinvention shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention,wherein a conventional threeposition headlight switch is applied incombination with an ignition switch to control the running lamps and theheadlight lamps;

FIG. 9 is a modification of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 8,wherein the accessory terminal of the ignition switch controls therunning lamps;

FIG. 10 pertains to another embodiment of the invention and is aperspective view of an automobile showing exterior signaling lampclusters at both sides of each of the four corners of the automobile,with each cluster including a running lamp, a turn signal lamp and aparking signal lamp;

FIG. 1 l is a top plan view of the automobile shown in FIG. 16, withportions being broken away to reveal the lamp clusters;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the electrical system for controllingthe energization of the lamps of the clusters and the headlights of theautomobile shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an alternative electrical system forcontrolling the energization of the lamps of the clusters and theheadlights of the automobile shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of yet another alternative electricalsystem for controlling the energization of the lamps of the clusters andthe headlights of the aupanel lamps 16 and 18. It will be understoodthat the switch 14 is accessible for manual actuation by the driver oroperator of the automobile l0 and that the lamps 16 and 18 are exposedto the direct view of such operator from his operating position.

The automobile 10 is provided with a pair of conven tional electricallamps 20. and 22 at the front end thereof that are disposed inconventional housings 2'4 and 26, respectively, for directing lightpreferentially forwardly, but also to the forward left and forwardright. As is conventional, each of the filaments 28 and 30 of the lamps20 and 22 (preferably in the range of about 4 to 6 candlepower) can beincluded along with other filaments (not shown) in a single lampenvenlop. While the light directed outwardly from the housings 24 and 26on energization of the lamps 20 and 22 can be white or of any othercolor desired (such other colors being conventionally obtained by thecorresponding lamp envelope and/or housing including an appropriatecolor filter), it is preferred, or more new rately, it is recommendedthat the directed light be of amber color so as to afford a distinctionby way of such color and the intensity thereof from other signal lightsthat are customarily provided on automobiles, such as rear turn signals,etc. v

As will be presently described the panel lamps 16 and 18 (which can besuch as to emit any selected color of light such as, for example, thesame color as selected in the case of the lamp and housing combinations20 and 24, and 22 and 26) are arranged to be concurrently energized withthe lamps 20 and 22, preferably in electrical parallelism therewith sothat burn out of a panel lamp will not extinguish either of the frontlamps (as would occur in an electrical series arrangement), so that, ifdesired, an optional conventional dimmer rheostat (not shown) can beprovided in series with the panel lamps 16 and l8 to control thebrightness of the latter without affecting the intensity of lightemittedfrom the front signal lamps 20 and 22. v

The automobile 1.0 is also provided with rear signal lamp and housingcombinations generally similar to the previously described lamp andhousing combinations 2%) and 24, and 22 and 26, such rear signal lampand housing combinations being shown as four in number and designated at28, 3t 32 and 34. Optionally, but preferably forward side lamps 29 and31 and rear side lamps 33 and 35 are also provided for concurrentenergization with the previously described lamps to enhance observationfrom the sides of the automobile.

Whereas the combination 20 and 24 is disposed adjacent the right frontof the automobile 10, the combinations 2% and 30 are adjacent the rightrear and are disposed to direct white or a selected color of light suchas red rearwardly and to the right rear of the automobile. Similarly,whereas the combination 22 and 26 is disposed adjacent the left front,the combinations 32 and 34 are disposed adjacent the left rear of theautomobile M) to direct white or a selected color of light rearwardlyand to the left rear of the automobile w.

As will be presently described, all the rear lamp combinations 28, 3t 32and 3d are incorporated in electrical circuits so as to be concurrentlyenergized with the front lamp combinations 26 and 26, and 22 and 26. Aswill also be explained presently, such concurrent energization of allthe previously described lamp combinations as well as of the panel lampsl6 and 18 takes place when and only when a condition exists that isessential to operation of the motor 36 of the automobile 10; suchcondition being the electrical energization of theelectrical ignitionapparatus 38 of such motor 36.

It will be understood that the automobile 10 is conventional and thatthe motor 36 is a conventional internal combustion engine of the typerequiring electrical spark ignition of the fuel-air mixture supplied thesame, such essential electrical sparking being effected by theconventional ignition apparatus 38 when the electrical seriesarrangement of the primary coil 40 and the breaker switch 42 (such coil40 and switch 42 constituting a part of the apparatus 38) is energizedand the breaker switch 42 is being opened and closed (as conventionallycaused to occur on rotation of the motor 36).

It will also be understood that the motor 36 is conventionally providedwith electrical starting apparatus 44, which when energized serves torotate the motor 36, whereby motor starting can be effected. Thestarting apparatus 44 conventionally includes a starter motor 46together with a normally open relay switch 48 that is closed duringenergization of a relay solenoid 50.

Since the motor 36, including its electrical ignition apparatus 38thereof, and the electrical starter apparatus 44 therefor as well as theoperative relationships thereof are conventional, widely and fullyknown, further elaboration by way of illustration or description is notnecessary and indeed would be undesirable as it would only serve toobscure the actual invention and obfuscate matters generally.

Except as otherwise specifically pointed out and explained in detail,the ignition switch 14 is entirely conventional. The use of quotationmarks in connection with such apparatus 14 is for the reason thatalthough such apparatus 14 does include an ignition switchper se (thatis, an electrical switch manually operative to control electricalenergization of the series arrangement of the coil 40 and breaker switch42), the ignition switch 14 also incorporates switching elementsmanually operable to control energization of the starter solenoid 40 aswell as incorporating additional switching elements to controlenergization of various conventional electrically actuated or controlledautomobile accessories, not shown, such as instrument panel lamps,radio, tape players (stereo), air circulating fans, air conditioningapparatus or fans thereof, and the like. Such ignition switch 14 ishereinafter referred to the switching assembly 14 to avoid confusionwith the ignition switch per se.

The switching assembly 14 is mounted on the instrument panel or dash 12of the automobile 10 in a position accessible for manual actuation bythe operator or driver of the automobile 10. Briefly, insofar as theconventional character of the switch assembly 14 is concemed, the samecomprises a metallic barrel 52 that is nonrotatably fixed to the panel12, with a segment plate 54 of electrically insulative material such asa phenolic resin being fixedly mounted within, disposed at and closingthe switch end of the barrel 52. A driver or drive member 56 ofelectrically insulative material is rotatably received within and isaxially slidable within the barrel 52, and an electrically conductivebridging member 58 of annular configuration and of lesser diameter thanthe segment plate 54 is disposed in the barrel 52 intermediate the plate54 and the driver 56.

The plate 54, driver 56 and the bridging member 58 are coaxial (sucharrangement being facilitated by an integral arcuate boss 60 on theplate 54 being rotatably received through a central opening 62 in thebridging member) and coiled compression springs 64are interposed betweenthe bridging member 58 and the driver 56 to yieldingly urge them axiallyapart. Each of the springs 64 has one end seated in a socket (not shown)in the driver 56, and the other end seated in a shallow recess 66 in thebridging member 58. The bridging member 58 is caused to rotate in unisonwith the driver by reason of theforrner having integral axiallyextending tabs 68 thereon that are received in aligned sockets (notshown) in the driver 56. Thus the bridging member 58 is yieldingly urgedto bear against the segment plate 54 while being rotatable with thedriver 56, while the latter is yieldingly urged to slidably bear againstan internal annular shoulder (not shown) in the barrel 52.

Rotary movement .is imparted to the driver 56 through a manuallyrotatable actuator 70 received within the key end of the barrel 52, withthe operative connection between the actuator' 70 and'the driver 56being by way of an integral lug 72 on the former being received inasocket 74 in the latter.

The freedom of rotation of the actuator 70 in the barrel 52 is subjectto the control of conventional key controlled lock means 76 within theactuator 70 that coacts with internal ribs 78 in the barrel 52 to limitor prevent rotation of the actuator except when a key 80 is inserted ina slot 82 in the actuator 70 that communicates with the lock meanstherein. The character of and use of the key 80 and the lock means 76 iswell known and needs no elaboration.

It is also well known that four angular positions or angularly displacednarrow ranges of angular position of the actuator 70 are of specialsignificance in the use of the switch assembly, namely, thosecorresponding to conventionally labeled positions (indicated at 84 inFIG. .1) normally designated in the angular sequence thereof in aclockwise direction as ACC (for engine and starter off with energizationof accessories such as a radio), OFF (engine and starter off as well asaccessories), RUN (starter off with engine and accessories energized),and START (engine and starter energized and accessories deenergized). Inorder to yieldingly retain the actuator 70 in each of the four angularpositions in which it is disposed, a conventional detent means isprovided which comprises shallow recesses 86 in the driver for coactionwith protuberances (not shown) in the concealed internal annularshoulder of the barrel 52, the operation of such means being in part afunction of the springs 64. In other words, the springs 64 urge thedriver 56 so that the protuberances tend to be retained in such recesses86 in which they are received when the actuator 70 is in one of the fourpositions.

The bridging member 58 is entirely conventional and is formed with threeintegral, angularly spaced convex regions or contactor portions 38, 90and 92 directed toward and in sliding contact or engagement with thesegment plate 54. Such contactor portions 88, 90 and 92 are formed bystamping or pressing so that the other side of the member iscorrespondingly concaved, with such concaved regions constituting seats,such as the recess 66, for the near ends of the springs 64.

Except as hereinafter explained in relation to structure shownparticularly in FIG. 5, the segment plate 54 is entirely conventional,and has embedded therein an electrically conductive battery segment 94,an electrically conductive accessory segment 96, and electricallyconductive solenoid segment 98, and a specially modified (assubsequently described) electrically conductive ignition segment 100.The segments 94, 96, 98 and 100 are exposed toward the bridging memberby substantially coplanar surfaces (such as the surface 102 of thesegment 100) thereof, such surfaces being coplanar with an annularsurface region 104 (concentrio with the longitudinal axis of the switchassembly 14) of the segment plate 54,

As thus far described it willbe evident that any two of the segments94-100 are electrically coupled or connected when such two are contactedby any two of the contactor portions 88, 90, and 92 of the bridgingmember 58. Thus when the actuator 70 and the key 80 are in the RUNposition indicated by the dashed line 106 in FIG. 1, the contactor.portions 88, 90. and 92 are respectively in contact with the segments100, 96 and 94 at the circularly dashed locations shown in FIG. 3 andindicated respectively at 108, 110 and 112, whereby all such segmentsare bridged by the bridging member 58 and the battery segment 94 iselectrically coupled to each of the segments 96 and 100.

When the actuator 70 is then turned clockwise to the position designatedSTART, the contactor portion 88 moves to an angularly spaced positionthrough an intermediate position to be referred to subsequently tocontact the segment 100 at a circularly dashed position 114, while thecontactor portion 90 moves to contact the segments 98 at the circularlydashed position indicated at 116, and while the contactor portion 92moves in contact with the segment 94 to engage the latter at the dashedcircular position indicated at 118. Thus whenthe actuator 70 is in theSTART position, the segment 94 is electrically coupled to the segments100 and 98. When the actuator 70 is in the OFF position, none of thecontacto r portions 88, 90 and 92 is in contact with the battery segment94, so that the latter is not electrically coupled to any of theother'segments 96, 98 and 100. When the actuator 70 is in the positionACC, the contactor portion 88 contacts the battery segment 94 at thecircularly dashed position 1 18, while the contactor portion 92 engagesthe accessory segment at the circularly dashed position 110, with thecontactor portion 90 being out of contact with any of the segments,whereby the battery segment 94 is electrically coupled to only thesegment 96.

The segments 94, 96, 98 and 100 are electrically connected through theplate 54 respectively to a battery terminal 122, an accessory terminal120, a solenoid terminal 124, and an ignition terminal 126 on the sideof the plate 54 opposite the bridging m mber 58 and on the outside ofthe switch assembly 14 at the end thereof opposite the key 80.

Referring to FIG. 6, the ignition terminal 126 is operatively associatedwith, that is, connected to the lamp combinations 20 and 24, 22 and 26,and lamps 29 and 31, as indicated by the dash-dot lines 128, and to thelamps 2s, so, 32, 3335M as, as indicated by the 38 is energized. It willalso be seen that the solenoid terminal 124 is operatively associatedwith the starter apparatus 44 as indicated by the dash-dot line 136.Thus when the solenoid switch is closed (the segments 100, 94 and 98being bridged by the bridging member 58), the starter apparatus 44 isenergized.

The hereinbefore described conventional structure coordinates orsynchronizes the closure of the ignition and solenoid switches inrelation to the angular position of the key and the actuator 70.

Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 7, each of the lamps 16, 18,20, 22,30, 32 and 34 has one terminal connected by a line to theignitionterminal 126 of the switch assembly 14, and their other terminalsconnected to the common vehicle'ground 142 to which one terminal of thevehicle storage battery 144 is connected, the other terminal of thebattery 144 being connected by a lead 146 to the battery terminal 122 ofthe switch assembly 14. Though not shown in FIG. 7, the lamps 29, 31, 33and 35 are also connected in parallel between the lead 140 and theground 142. The coil 40 and the engine operated breaker switch 42 areincorporated in series in a lead 148 between the ignition terminal 126and vehicle ground 142. Thus the series arrangement of the coil 40 andthe breaker switch 42 is concurrently energized when and only when theignition switch is closed, that is when the ignition terminal 126 isenergized. v

The starter solenoid 50 is disposed in a lead 150 connecting between thesolenoid terminal 124 and vehicle ground 142, so that the switch 48 isclosed when and solely when the solenoid switch of the assembly 14 isclosed, which results in energization of the electric starter motor 46as the latter is incorporated in series with the switch 48 in a lead 152connecting between the ungrounded terminal of the battery 144 andvehicle ground 142.

The switch assembly 14 and more particularly solely the plate 54 thereofdiffers from prior art devices. Such difference resides in the centralportion of the ignition segment 100 (as best illustrated in FIGS. 1-3and 5) being formed to define a recess or pocket opening toward thebridging member 58, with a body 162 of electrically insulative materialbeing disposed in the pocket 160 and fixed to the segment by being pressfitted therein or otherwise secured thereto in any suitable manner. Thesurface 164 of the body 162 is coplanar with the surface 102 of segment100, and the body is disposed intermediate the circularly dashedpositions 108 and 114 (FIG. 3) so that the contactor portion 88 of thebridging member 58 engages the body 160 and is out of contact with thesegment 100 as the portion 88 moves through an intermediate fraction ofthe-interval between the positions 108 and 114, such fraction beingpreferably limited to be such that the contactor portion 88 engages thesegment 100 at all times that the contactor portion 90 engages thesolenoid segment 98; this to prevent energization of the starter motor46 when the electrical ignition apparatus is not energized.

In view of the foregoing the ignition terminal 126 will be deprived ofthe batterys potential for a brief interval every time the actuator 70is moved clockwise or counterclockwise intermediate the positionsthereof corresponding to the RUN and START positions thereof.Consequently, all of the signaling and panel lamps will be energizedwhen the actuator 70 is in or is passing through the RUN position butwill be briefly extinguished as the actuator is being moved toward andfrom the START position, whereby visual flashing signals are producedwhich will be indicative to external observes that the vehicle operatoris starting or attempting to start his engine. The flashing signal froma manual (selective) switch actuation is especially commanding ofattention, and this is very important as such can be the prelude tomovement of an hitherto motionless vehicle.

If desired or deemed expedient for any reason, such as, for example,economy in manufacturing, the special modification of the segment 100can be omitted in which event the contactor portion 88 contacts theconventional continuous segment 100 throughout its movement between thelocations 108 and 114.

Not only is the provision of the insulative body 162 preferred, but itis especially preferred that the same be in the nature of a so-calledbright boy", that is, be in the nature of an electrically insulativeburnishing element. Hence, it is preferred that the body 162 be not onlyof electrically insulative character but also be of an abrasivecharacter so as to burnish or clean (as of oxides and the like) thecontactor portion 88 as the latter slides in contact therewith. Manymaterials can lend the body 162 such especially preferred character, andof these may be mentioned hard and somewhat rough surfaced .ceramics;however, the body 162 can be comprised of a synthetic phenolic resin orthe like in which is dispersed a very fine silicon carbide or aluminagrit.

Optionally, but preferably, the segment plate 54 has recessed thereinadditional bright boys 170 and 172 so that all of the contactor portions88, 90 and 92 come into sliding engagement with such burnishing elementsduring various switch movements so as to keep the contactor portionsclean and free of oxides and the like that attenuate current flow in duecourse. While insert 162 in FIG. brings forth another built-in signalingsystem, contact plate 58 and its three bridging members, namely 88-90and 92 are instrumental for a sequence (or interrelated sequence) ofevents. Thus in the run position prior to rotating of the ignition key80 to the start position, the said lights are constant. However, in anoninterrupted starting intent, the running lights blink while passingthrough the run position. In the due course of starting, the said lightsnow blink again prior to energizing the starting solenoid. While batterydrain makes a specific light flickering signal while the engine iscranking, insert 162 momentarily breaks the running lights again whilereturning the key to the run position 106. Hereinafter the operator maybrighten these running lights by normal acceleration for anotherbuilt-in type of signaling system. Thus in due time the portion of thepublic that demands vehicular safety will be able to identify each ofthe saidevents as to what is actually transpiring while approaching thefront or rear (or all sides) as if they were witnessing the saidstarting sequence while facing the dash 12. Thus the key of the switch40 becomes a master ignition switch signaling system that forces thepublic telegraph their errorless intent in any mixed or normal sequence.Even if the ignition key is mistakenly left on the rum position whilethe motoris not running, the operator may return to the vehicle topresent a dead battery. Many operators leave their (headlight-type)parking lights on after leaving their vehicle for a timely adverseresult and it shall public to be appreciated that running lights providefull time protection and are automatically off in the OFF position whichwill eliminate human error andbattery depletion. v

Attention is now directed to an alternative form of the invention whichis schematically shown in FIG. 8. This form of the invention causes therunning lights to be energized selectively when either the accessory orthe ignition 126 terminals of the ignition switch 14 is connected to thebattery 144 by appropriate actuation of the ignition switch 14.Additionally or independently the running lights or lamps are coupled toa conventional headlight switch 186 in such a manner that the runninglights are energized whenever the headlight switch 186 is actuated toenergize the headlights 188 or 296 of the automobile 220. Thus fornighttime usage only, diode 196 and lead 192 can be non-elective. Therunning lamps 20, 22, 28, 30, 31, 32, 32, and 35 are paralleled betweenthe automobile ground 142 and a lead 190. A lead 192 connects the leadto a singlepole double-throw switch 194 which is in turn connected toaccessory and ignition terminals 120 and 126 whereby the lead 192 can beselectively connected to such terminals. A diode 196 is placed in thelead 192 for a purpose to be presently explained. It will be noted thatthe cathode of the diode faces the lead 190 (a conventional negativeground 142 being assumed), and the anode faces the ignition switch 14.

The headlight switch 186 is conventional and comprises a pair ofelongated fixed contacts 198 and 200 and a pair of fixed contacts 202(not used in this instance) and 204. The switch 186 also includes anelongated movable contact 206, which is normally displaced from thefixed contacts 198-204. The movable contact 206 is movable by a manuallyactuable knob (shown in dashed outline at 208) from its illustratedposition to a position indicated in dashed outline at 210 through anintermediate position indicated in dashed outline at 212.

The elongated fixed contact 198 is connected to the positive terminal ofthe battery 144 as shown, and the other elongated contact 200 isconnected to the lead 190 by a lead 214. When the switch 186 is in itsnormal (fully open) position shown, the contact 206 does not couple thebattery 144 to any of the contacts 202, 204,

' and 206. When the switch 186 is in its intermediate position (contact206 in position 212), the contact 206 bridges contacts 198, 200, and202, and when the switch 186 is fully opened (contact 206 in position210), the contact 206 bridges the contacts 198, 200, and 204.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the

derstood that the former standard headlight switch can be readilymodified by tie bar connections and/or by jumper wires in a means thatconnects to the terminal tabs of a standard headlight switch. It shouldbe noted that headlight switch 186 is not the former standard headlightswitch since the front park lights were (traditionally) for many yearsturned out when the headlight switch control knob 208 was pulled to itsextreme position. While this plan d'emeans the safety values of agenuine parking system and/or separate circuitry, the initial headlightswitch running light system brings forth rudimentary concepts and means.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the parking lamps(referred occasionally in this specification with respect to the formsof the invention shown in FIGS. 1 through 9 by what is thought moreappropriate terminology as running lamps or lights) 20, 22, 28, 29, 31,32, 33, 34 and 35 are energized from the contact 200, whereby they areenergized when the switch 196 is either in its intermediate (contact 206at position 212) and full on (contact 206 at position 210) positions.The headlights 188 are energized in the usual manner from the contact204, with no use being made of the contact 202.

Not only in battery potential applied to the parking light supply leadby use of the headlight switch 186 when in its intermediate and full onpositions; but additionally, battery potential is applied to the supplylead 190, when the accessory portion of the ignition switch 14 is on(closed) and the switch 194 is in the position shown, or when theignition portion of the ignition switch is on (closed) and the switch194 is in its alternate position connecting the lead 192 to the ignitionterminal 126.

The function of the diode 196 is to prevent energization of the lead 192from the battery 144 through the switch 186, inasmuch as energization ofthe ignition switch terminals of the ignition switch 14 is to becontrolled solely by the ignition switch through its previouslydescribed connections to the battery 144. The diode 196 is solid stateand has a peak inverse voltage rating higher than the battery voltageand a current rating sufficiently high to handle the average and peakcurrent loads of the parking or running lamps. lreferably the diode isprovided with a heat sink, not shown, in accordance with goodengineering; practice to reduce any possibility of diode failure.

The form of the invention shown in FIG. 9 is a simplified version of theform of the invention shown in FIG. 8, and differs therefrom in essencesolely in the supply lead 216 (equivalent to the lead 190 in FIG. 8)being connected via the diode 196 solely to the accessory terminal 120by a lead 218. The parking or running lights 20, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34 and 35 are schematically symbolized in FIG. 9 by the pair ofparallel filaments 220. While the form of the invention shown in FIG. 9is somewhat less versatile, it is entirely satisfactory as it is usuallypreferred that the accessory terminal be the source of energization ofthe running lamps as the latter will not load additional to the load ofthe electric starter (provided the headlight switch 186 is fully off).

While the diode 196 in the lead 218 can be eliminated for many standardignition switches, there is aremote possibility that the contact plate54 and its bridging members 88, and 92 may be in contact with the ACCterminal 96 as best illustrated in FIG. 3 and the solenoid contact 98while the switch is in an off position. In this event feedback may beexperienced to energize the starting motor when the headlight switchcontrol knob is pulled to its intermediate or headlight position. Thusdiode 196 would be necessary for a safety factor in the event ofcareless usage. It should also be noted that in this event, solenoid canbe reduced in size to prevent this possibility and additionalinstallation cost of running lights by the accessory terminal means. aIn regard to built-in signaling systems that have been heretoforeexpressed, this plan reduces battery drain (a very insignificant factor)and brings forth a convenience factor in that the so-called universalparking light system now can be illuminated by turning the ignition key80 to the ACC side or position. Thus parking lights can now be producedby either the existent intermediate headlight switch position or by theignition switch. The distinct advantage of this plan over otherinventive means is that in revamping of the used car criteria,- noadditional lamps need to be installed as indicated in FIG. 10. Whileseparate parking circuitry is claimed, initiated, and illustrated, acost ratio with present safety standards are sometimes determiningfactors.

Attention is now directed tothe form of the invention shown in FIGS. 10,11 and 12, wherein the reference numeral 220 designates an automobilethat is conventional except as specifically pointed out hereinafter,such automobile having four comers, namely, left front, right front,left rear, and right rear corners 222, 224, 226 and 228. Lamp clusters230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242 and 244 of three lamps each aremounted on the automobile 220. All of the lamps of all of such clustersare outwardly facing and direct light horizontally outwardly in a broadbeam or diffused manner. The clusters 230 and 232 are adjacent corner222 and on the side and front of the automobile; clusters 234 and 236 atthe front and rear adjacent corner 224; clusters 238 and 240 at the sideand rear adjacent corner 226; and clusters 242 and 244 at the rear andside adjacent the corner. Each cluster of lamps includes three lamps,one of which is a running light or lamp, another of which is a parkinglight or lamp, and the third of which is a turn signal light or lamp.

The parking lamps are all designated by the reference numeral 246 andare all connected in electrical parallel for concurrent operation.

The turn signal lights or lamps are of two groups, namely, a group thatis, as a group, intermittently energized to signal a left turn, and asecond group that is, as

a group, intermittently energized to signal a right turn. Each of theleft turn signal lamps is indicated by the reference numeral 248, itbeing understood that they are all connected in parallel for concurrentoperation. Each lamp of the corresponding group of right turn signallamps is designated by the reference numeral 250. It will be seen thatin view of safety, side turn signal lights designated generally at 248and 250 can be incorporated by using a double filament bulb. Thus thehigher candle power filament will be used for turn signals while thelower candle power filament in the same lamp bulb will illuminate fulltime side running lights. Thus side run and side turn will eliminateblind spots for many obvious safety advantages.

While all of the running lights can be connected in parallel, it ispreferred that such lamps should be equally distributed in two equalgroups such as being divided between the four clusters at the front andthe four clusters at the rear of the automobile, or alternativelybetween the equal numbers of clusters nearer the right and nearer theleft of the automobile. For example, one group of the running lights canbe the four running lamps at the left side of the automobile each ofwhich is designated by the reference numeral 252. Each of the other fourrunning lamps is indicated by the reference numeral 254.

The automobile 220 is conventional in that the same includes an ignitionswitch assembly 256 generally similar to the previously describedignition switch 14, such switch assembly 256 being schematically shownin FIG. 12 as inclusive of an ignition switch 258 (which when closedapplies battery potential of a battery 260 to the ignition terminal262), a solenoid switch 264 (which when closed applies battery potentialto a solenoid terminal 266), and an accessory switch 268 (which whenclosed applies battery potential to an accessory terminal 270).

Attention is now directed to yet another form of the invention.Heretofore the inventor has disclosed the fact that from the rearwardside the most important side of any vehicle in regard to parking lights,we do not have a parking system. While FIG. 9 discloses a dual switchingmeans (ignition switch in the ACC side and the headlight switch in theintermediate position) for the same lamp filaments 220, the universal ordual purpose of these lights is not in the best safety interest of thepublic. The inventor discloses the fact that we must have a specific anddistinct parking system as is illustrated in FIGS. 10, ll, 12, 13, and14 as a distinct and separate parking system. Thus differentially weseparate circuitry for running lights and parking lights that can beapproved for specific colors to suit new standards. Parking and fulltime running lights are two basic systems that are some of the A-B-Cs ofsafety.

The automobile 220 also includes a conventional headlight switchassembly 272 that corresponds to the previously described switch 186 andthe switch assembly 272 is schematically shown in FIG. 12 as inclusiveof a parking light switch 274 that is closed solely when the headlightswitch 272 is in its intermediate position (the arrangement being suchthat the switch contact 276 corresponds to the previously describedcontact 202). The headlight switch assembly 272 that is closed solelywhen the switch is fully on (the arrangement being such that the switchcontact 280 corresponds to the previously described contact 204).

The automobile 220 includes an internal combustion engine, not shown,that is provided with conventional electrical ignition and electricalstarter systems 282 and 284, respectively. The ignition system 282 isconventionally connected tothe ignition switch 258 for conventionaloperation, and the electrical starter system 284 is conventionallyconnected to the battery 260 and the solenoid switch 264 forconventional turns, and such leads are respectively connected to thegroups of turn signal lamps 248 and 250. The lamps 248 and 250 arepreferably colored red and amber, or any color which may be specified bylaw for turn signal- The automobile is provided with headlights 296which are energized in a conventional manner through the headlightswitch 278 from the battery 260.

The parking lights 246, preferably colored blue (but which can be anycolor specified by traffic laws or regulations), are connected to theparking switch 274 for parallel energization therethrough from thebattery 260 by a lead 298.

The automobile 220 includes conventional engine driven means forsupplying direct electric current forv energizing electrical equipmentand recharging or maintaining the conventional storage battery 260 in afully charged condition. Such engine driven means can be a directcurrent generator or an alternating current generator with includedrectifying means for obtaining a direct current output. Conventionalmeans are customarily provided for controlling the output voltage andcurrent. In FIG. 12, the reference numeral 300 designates an enginedriven producer of voltage and current regulated direct current of thetype inclusive of an alternator. The alternator direct current source300 operates between ground 302 and the positive terminal of the battery260 via a lead 304.

Means is provided for selectively energizing the left set of runninglamps 252 from the battery 260 through the ignition switch 258 or fromthe alternator source 300. Such selec-tive energization is obtained bythe provision of a single-pole double-throw switch 306 enablingselective connection of a lead 308 with either the ignition terminal 262of the ignition switch 258 or with the alternator source lead 304 asshown. The running lamps 252 are connected in parallel between the lead308 and the ground 302, as shown, as is also a panel lamp 310. In orderto prevent energization of the lamps 252 from the battery 260 when theswitch 306 is thrown to couple the lines 304 and 308 directly, a highcurrent rated solid state diode 312 is interposed as shown in the line304 intermediate the connection of the latter to the switch 306. Thepanel lamp 310 and the switch 306 are disposed on the instrument panel314 of the automobile 220 as shown in FIG. 15.

While the lamps 252 and 310 are of such rating as to easily withstandoperation at the potential of the battery 260, it may be that such lampswill occasionally be subjected to momentary voltage surges in the outputof the alternator 300 even though the line 304 is con-.

nected to the battery 260 through the diode. Should such voltages surgesbe sufficiently great in magnitude or occur with such frequency as tosignificantly shorten the life of the lamps 252 and 310, means canoptionally be provided to limit the voltage to which the lamps aresubjected. Such means can conveniently take the form of a resistor 320interposed in the lead 308 between the switch 306 and the lamps 252 and310 as shown, with a zener diode 322 being connected between the ground302 and the line 308 at a position intermediate the resistor 320 and thelamps 252 as shown. The zener diode 322 is selected to have a reversebreakdown voltage substantially in excess of the battery 260, but alsosubstantially less than such voltage as will result in greatlycurtailing the life of the lamps 252 and 310.

As mentioned previously, theprovision of the voltage limiting meansconstituted of the resistor 320 and the zener diode 322 is entirelyoptional, and in most cases can be dispensed with particularly in viewof the connection of the lead 304 to the battery 260.. An identicalscheme is employed to control the energization of the other runninglamps 254 and a panel lamp 324 to that already described in connectionwith the lamps 252 and 310. The means provided for controlling theenergization of the lamps 254 and 324 comprises a single-poledouble-throw switch 326 that corresponds to the previously describedswitch 306, such switch affording for a lead 328 selective communicationwith the lead 304 and the ignition switch 258. As will be evident thelamps 254 and 324 are connected in parallel between the ground 302 andthe lead 328. Optional means comprising a voltage dropping resistor 330and a zener diode 332 is provided for limiting the voltage to which thelamps 254 and 324 are subjected.

It will be seen that all of the running lights 252 and 254 are energizedwhenever the automobile 220- is in condition for immediateself-propulsion, this being true whether the automatic 220 is stationaryor moving. Thus the electrical system of FIG. 12 constitutes for theautomobile 220 a full time running light system. It will be quiteevident to those skilled in the art that it is essential for theautomobile 220 to be in immediate condition for self-propulsion thateither one or both of two conditions must prevail, namely, the ignitionswitch 258 is turned on or the engine driven alternator 300 is inoperation, existence of either of these two conditions will energize allof the running lights 252 and 254 as well as the panel lamps 310 and324. The advantage of selectively energizing either one or both groupsof the panel lamps 252 and 254 directly from the output of thealternator is that minor voltage variations will occur in the output ofthe alternator 300, and this will result in an attention capturingflickering of the running lamps 252 and 254, particularly when theengine is first started or is idling quite slowly. In many respects anautomobile constitutes its greatest hazard to pedestrians or othermotorists a short interval of time after an engine is started or whenthe same has been idling slowly, each of such conditions existingnormally a short time prior to an automobile changing from a stationarycondition to a condition of movement.

Attention is now directed to the form of the invention shown in FIG. 13,the electrical control system schematically depicted in FIG. 13constituting an alternative to that shown in FIG. 12 for use as a partof the automobile 220. The system depicted in FIG. 13 is quite similarin many respects to that shown in FIG. 12, and difiers primarilytherefrom in the different scheme employed for controlling theenergization of the running lamps 252 and 254' as well as of the panellamps 310 and 324.

In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 13, the reference numeral 340designates generally an engine driven direct current electric generatorof conventional character, and the reference numeral 342 designates aconventional voltage regulator that has the customary provision of afield tap 344, an armature tap 346 and a battery tap or terminal 348. Inthe usual manner the battery tap 348 is connected by a lead 350 to thestorage battery'260 as shown. Also in a conventional mannerthe field tap344 is-connected to the generator 340 by a lead 352.

As clearly shown in the drawings, the generator 340, the lamps 252, 254,310 and 324 are grounded. The output lead 360 of the generator isconnected to a lead 362 which is in turn connected to the armature tap346 of the voltage regulator 342.

A lead 370 is connected to the ignition switch 258, and a lead 372 thatis connected to the lamps 252 and 310 is selectively connected to theleads 362 and 370 by means of the single-pole double-throw switch 306 asreadily apparent on inspection of FIG. 13. In. a similar manner, a lead376 that is connected to the lamps 254 and 324 is selectively. coupledto the leads 362 and 370 by means of the single-pole double-throw switch326. Whenever either of the switches 306 and 326 is in the positionshown thereof in FIG. 13, the lamps associated with such switch areenergized whenever the ignition switch 258 is closed. 7

' The armature tap 346 of the voltage regulator 342 is normally atground potential when the generator 340 is not being driven; however,the armature tap 346 carries a voltage that is fluctuating in characterwhenever the generator 340 is driven, and consequently whenever eitherof the switches 306 and 326 is actuated to couple its associated lampsto the lead 362, and the generator 340 is being driven, such lamps willbe energized with a somewhat pulsating voltage so as to appear toflicker or pulsate in light emiting intensity this pulsating effectbeing particularly accentuated or apparent when the generator 340 isbeing driven at low speeds.

The operation of the invention when incorporating the control systemshown in FIG. 13 will be readily apparent particularly in view of theprevious description of the operation of the invention when includingthe control system of FIG. 12.

Attention is now directed to another form of the invention which isshown in FIG. 14, the electrical system schematically shown in FIG. 14being employed in conjunction with the automobile shown in FIGS. 10 and11. The concept embraced by the electrical system shown in FIG. 14 isconsiderably broader or of greater scope than that illustrated in FIGS.12 and 13 in that the same pertains to the broadest concept of providinga means for energizing the running lights 252 and 254 from the battery260 in response to the closure of a sensing switch means that issensitive to or responsive switch means 392 can take any one of avariety of forms such as, for example, being in the nature of aconventional pressure sensitive switch operatively associated with theengine system 390 in such a manner as to sense and be closed by apressure that exists solely when the engine system 390 is in operation.For example, the sensing switch means 392 can be a normally closedpressure sensitive switch connected to the engine oil system downstreamof the pump thereof in such a manner that operation of the engine oilpump will result in the sensing switch being exposed to an elevatedpressure sufficient to cause closure of the switch when the engine oilpump is in operation. Similarly, the sensing switch means 392 can becoupled to the coolant system immediately downstream of the coolantcirculation pump in an arrangement such that the switch is closed whenthe engine coolant pump is operating. In an analogous manner, thesensing switch means 392 can be of the pressure sensing type coupled tothe intake manifold of the engine system 390 in such a manner that whenthe pressure within the intake manifold is lower than a predeterminedamount less that atmospheric pressure, the switch 392 is closed. Thesensing switch means 392 need not necessarily be of the pressure sensingtype, but can be of the thermal responsive type. For example, thesensing switch means 392 can be coupled to the exhaust manifold of theengine system 390, and be such as to be closed when the temperature ofthe exhaust manifold or the interior thereof rises above a predeterminedlevel to close the switch. Thus it will be seen that for the purposes ofthe present invention, the sensing switch means 392 can be of any one ofa wide variety of types, it being only necessary that the switch benormally opened, but will close in response to any engine systemcondition existing that exists only when the engine system is inoperation.

The running lights 252 and 254 are connected between the ground 302 andthe battery 260 by means of leads 3% and 398, with the sensing switchmeans 392 being interposed in the lead 396 as shown in such anarrangement that the running lights 252 and 254 are energized solelywhen the sensing switch means 392 is closed.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the electrical systemshown in FIG. 14 results in what is termed full time operation of therunning lights 252 and 254, by which is meant that such lights will beenergized whenever the engine system 390 is in operation or has been inoperation for a very short period of time. It is recognized that thecharacter of the sensing switch means 392 may be such that the runninglights 252 and 254- may be energized for a period of time aftercessation of the operation of the engine system 390; however, this isseen to be more in the nature of an advantage rather than a disadvantagein that such time interval may enable the operator of the automobile 220to leave the automobile 229 and satisfy himself that the running lightsare operative and that the switch means is effective eventually todistinguish such lights.

I claim:

1. In combination with a vehicle of the type wherein the motor thereofincludes an electrical ignition system, with such system including aprimary ignition circuit comprised of a breaker switch and a primaryignition coil in electrical series, and a battery and an ignition switchin electrical series for selectively supplying the electrical potentialof the battery to the electrical series arrangement of the breakerswitch and the primary coil, and wherein the vehicle is provided withconventional electric headlamps and electric tail lamps; an improvementin the character of means for affording an unequivocal visual indicationin the vicinity of the vehicle that the ignition switch thereof is on,with such means comprising electrical lamp means independent of theheadlamps and the tail lamps mounted on the vehicle operative inresponse to electrical energization thereof to direct light outwardlyfrom the vehicle and thereby to be visible from an external positionremote from the vehicle, said lamp means being connected to the primaryignition circuit in electrical parallel with the electrical seriesarrangement of the breaker switch and the primary coil for concurrentenergization with the latter, whereby a visual indication can be givento persons remote from the vehicle that the ignition circuit of thevehicle is energized.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lamp means includes a lampdisposed on the vehicle to direct light rearwardly from the vehicle.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lamp means includes a lampdisposed on the vehicle to direct light forwardly from the vehicle.

4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lamp means is disposed on thevehicle to direct light both forwardly and rearwardly from the vehicle.

5. The combination of claim 1, including electrical means for startingthe motor, said means for starting the motor including a startersolenoid inclusive of an electrical solenoid circuit switch, and amanually movable switch actuating means operatively connecting theignition switch and the solenoid circuit switch for synchronizedactuation of such switches, said manually movable switch actuating meansbeing movable between first and second positions through an intermediateposition, with solely the ignition switch being closed, both of saidswitches being open, and both of said switches being closed when saidswitch actuating means is respectively in said first, intermediate andsecond positions, whereby said lamp means is energized when the switchactuating means is in its first and second positions, and is deenergizedwhen such means is in its intermediate position to thereby effect avisual indication of the vehicle operator initiating motor operation byblinking of the lamp means.

6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said ignition switch, saidsolenoid switch and said actuating means therefor is a rotary switchcomprising a fixed contactor plate of electrically insulating material,exposed battery, ignition and solenoid contactor segments embedded insaid plate, a rotatable bridging member at one side of the plate, saidmember being of electrically conductive material and having portionsthereof in sliding contact with the contact plate, with said segmentsand said portions of the bridging member being so constructed andarranged that said bridging member is spaced from the solenoid segmentwhile concurrently contacting the battery and ignition segments, isspaced from the ignition segment, and is in contact with all three ofsaid segments when the actuating means is respectively in its first,intermediate and second positions, and switch terminals on the otherside of the plate and connector to the segments through the plate.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein an exposed burnishing element islocated in the contactor plate and is disposed to be slidably engaged byone of the portions of the bridging member during movement of actuatingmeans through the intermediate position whereby such portion isburnished.

8. The combination of claim 7, wherein said element is electricallyinsulative.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the element is embedded in theignition segment in an arrangement such as to effect the recited spacingof the bridging member and the ignition segment when the actuator meansis in its intermediate position, for momentary deenergization to therebyeffect a visual lamp blinking indication to persons remote from thevehicle that the operator is attempting to initiate motor operation.

10. in combination with a rotary-type ignition switch such as employedin conjunction with the electrical ignition and electrical startersystems of automotive vehicles and of the type including a fixed plateof electrically insulative material in which are embedded exposedbattery, ignition and solenoid segments that are arranged to becontacted by portions of a rotary bridging member for selectivelyelectrically isolating the battery segment from both of the othersegments, electrically coupling the battery segment to the ignitionsegment while electrically isolating the same from the solenoid segment,and electrically coupling the battery member is successively rotatedthrough first, second and third angular position ranges; the combinationtherewith of means for electrically isolating the battery segment fromthe ignition segment when the bridging member is disposed within anintermediate angular portion of the second positional range of thebridging member.

11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the last said means comprisesan exposed element of electrically insulative material embedded in theignition segment.

12. The combination of claim 11, wherein the embedded element isdisposed to be slidably engaged by bridging member and includes anabrasive for burnishing said member.

13. In an automobile of the type wherein there is provided conventionalelectrical headlamps and electrical tail lamps, and wherein there is aninternal combustion engine for propulsion, such engine including anelectrical ignition system that must be energized by electricalconnection to a source of direct electric current for the engine to beenabled to operate, and wherein ignition switch means is provided inelectrical series with a source of direct electric current forselectively connecting the ignition system to the source of directelectric current for selectively energizing the ignition 2g. system; thecombination therewith of electric signal lamp means on the automobilefor producing and directing light outwardly from the automobile whenelectrically energized and said signal lamp means being connected inelectrical parallel with the ignition system and in electrical serieswith the ignition switch means and the source of direct electriccurrent, whereby selective operation of the ignition switch means toconnect the ignition system to the source of direct current also servesto connect the lamp means to the source of direct current forenergization of the latter to thereby visually signal to observersremote from the automobile that the engine is enabled to operate.

14. The combination of claim 13, including a second electric switchmeans for selectively connecting the lamp means to the source of directcurrent, and means for preventing an operative electrical connection ofthe ignition system to the source of direct electric current by thesecond electric switch means, whereby the signal lamps can be energizedwithout energization of the, ignition system.

15. The combination of claim 14, including third electric switch meansfor selectively connecting said electrical headlamps to said source ofdirect electric current, and means operatively interconnecting thesecond and third switch means for causing the second switch means toconnect the lamp means to the source of direct electric current when thethird switch means connects the electrical headlamps to the source ofdirect electric current.

16. In an automobile of the type wherein there is an internal'combustionengine for propulsion, such engine including an electrical ignitionsystem that must be energized by electrical connection to a source ofdirect electric current for the engine to be enabled to operate, andwherein a multifunction ignition switch means having a common manualcontrol is provided, with said common control being manuallypositionable in a plurality of positions, and the ignition switch meanshaving a plurality of terminals including a battery terminal, anaccessory terminal, and an ignition terminal with the latter connectedto the ignition system for energization of the latter; said ignitionswitch means being operative (a) to prevent electric current flowtherethrough between the battery terminal and either of the accessoryand the ignition terminals when the manual control is in a firstposition, (b) to prevent an electric current there-through between thebattery terminal and the ignition terminal while establishing anelectric connection therethrough between the battery terminal and theaccessory terminal when the manual control is in a second position, and(c) to establish electric connections therethrough between the batteryterminal and each of the accessory and ignition terminals when themanual control is in a third position; a grounded electric storagebattery having one terminal connected to said battery terminal andconstituting the source of direct electric current, said ignition systembeing electrically connected to the ignition terminal for electricalenergization therefrom; the combination therewith of electric signallamp means on the automobile for producing and directing light outwardlyfrom the au tomobile when electrically energized, and said signal lampmeans being electrically connected to the accessory terminal forelectrical energization therefrom when the manual control is in its saidsecond and third positions.

17. The combination of claim 16, including a second electric switchmeans electrically connected between said terminal of the battery andthe signal lamp means for electrically energizing the signal lamp whenthe second electric switch means is closed.

18. The combination of claim 17, including means for preventing the flowof electric current between the terminal of the battery and theaccessory terminal through the second electric switch means.

19 In an automobile of the type that includes an engine for propulsionand an electric storage battery together with means driven by the enginefor charging the battery; the combination therewith of electric signallamp means on the automobile, means connecting the signal lamp means tothe means for charging the battery for energizing the signal lamp means,and means for preventing energization of the signal lamp means from thestorage battery, whereby the signal lamp means are energized when andsolely when the engine is operating.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the automobile is of the typeincluding a voltage regulator and wherein the means for charging thebattery includes a direct electric current generator, with the means forpreventing energization of the signal'lamp means being constituted ofthe voltage regulator.

21. The combination of claim 19, wherein the automobile is of the typewherein the means for charging the battery includes an alternator havinga rectified current output, with the means for preventing energizationof the signal lamp means comprising a diode interposed between thebattery and the connection of the signal lamp means to the alternator.

22. In an automobile of the type including an internal combustion enginefor the propulsion thereof, with such engine being effective oninitiation of operation thereof to initiate the existence of a physicalcondition that continues during engine operation, with cessation ofengine operation being effective to terminate existence of such physicalcondition; the combination therewith of normally open electric switchmeans, sensing means for closing the electric switch means during theexistence of said physical condition, electric signal lamp means on theautomobile for producing and directing light outwardly from theautomobile during energization thereof, and a source of direct electriccurrent, said source, switch means and signal lamp means being inelectrical series.

23. The combination of claim 13, including a second electric signal lampmeans on the automobile for producing and directing light outwardly fromthe automobile when electrically energized, and electric circuit meansincluding an electric control switch for selectively energizing thesecond electric signal lamp means from the source of direct electriccurrent.

24. The combination of claim 23, wherein each of said lamp meansincludes a plurality of electric incandescent filament lamps, a pair oflamp clusters disposed at spaced positions about the periphery of theautomobile, with each of said clusters being comprised of a pair ofelectric incandescent filament lamps, one of such pair of lamps being ofthe first mentioned signal lamp means and the other of the second signallamp 2 5 l 'lhe combination of claim 24, including left turn electricsignal means including an electric incandescent filament lamp with meansfor selectively energizing such lamp from the source of direct electriccurrent, a right turn electric signal means including an electricincandescent filament lamp with means for selectively energizing suchlamp'from the source of direct electric current, one of said pair ofclusters including a lamp of the left turn signal means, and the othercluster including a lamp of the right turn signal means.

26. The combination of claim 19, including a second electric signal lampmeans on the automobile for producing and directing light outwardly fromthe automobile when electrically energized, and electric circuit meansincluding an electric control switch for selectively energizing thesecond electric signal lamp means.

27. The combination of claim 26, wherein each of said lamp meansincludes a plurality of electric incandescent filament lamps, a pair oflamp clusters disposed at spaced positions about the periphery of theautomobile, with each of said clusters being comprised of a pair ofelectric incandescent filament lamps, one of such pair of lamps being ofthe first mentioned signal lamp means and the other of the second signallamp means.

28. The combination of claim 27, including left turn electric signalmeans including an electric incandescent filament lamp with means forselectively energizing such lamp, a right turn electric signal meansincluding an electric incandescent filament lamp with means forselectively energizing such lamp, one of said pair of clusters includinga lamp of the left turn signal means, and the other cluster including alamp of the right turn signal means.

1. In combination with a vehicle of the type wherein the motor thereofincludes an electrical ignition system, with such system including aprimary ignition circuit comprised of a breaker switch and a primaryignition coil in electrical series, and a battery and an ignition switchin electrical series for selectively supplying the electrical potentialof the battery to the electrical series arrangement of the breakerswitch and the primary coil, and wherein the vehicle is provided withconventional electric headlamps and electric tail lamps; an improvementin the character of means for affording an unequivocal visual indicationin the vicinity of the vehicle that the ignition switch thereof is on,with such means comprising electrical lamp means independent of theheadlamps and the tAil lamps mounted on the vehicle operative inresponse to electrical energization thereof to direct light outwardlyfrom the vehicle and thereby to be visible from an external positionremote from the vehicle, said lamp means being connected to the primaryignition circuit in electrical parallel with the electrical seriesarrangement of the breaker switch and the primary coil for concurrentenergization with the latter, whereby a visual indication can be givento persons remote from the vehicle that the ignition circuit of thevehicle is energized.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lampmeans includes a lamp disposed on the vehicle to direct light rearwardlyfrom the vehicle.
 3. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lamp meansincludes a lamp disposed on the vehicle to direct light forwardly fromthe vehicle.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the lamp means isdisposed on the vehicle to direct light both forwardly and rearwardlyfrom the vehicle.
 5. The combination of claim 1, including electricalmeans for starting the motor, said means for starting the motorincluding a starter solenoid inclusive of an electrical solenoid circuitswitch, and a manually movable switch actuating means operativelyconnecting the ignition switch and the solenoid circuit switch forsynchronized actuation of such switches, said manually movable switchactuating means being movable between first and second positions throughan intermediate position, with solely the ignition switch being closed,both of said switches being open, and both of said switches being closedwhen said switch actuating means is respectively in said first,intermediate and second positions, whereby said lamp means is energizedwhen the switch actuating means is in its first and second positions,and is deenergized when such means is in its intermediate position tothereby effect a visual indication of the vehicle operator initiatingmotor operation by blinking of the lamp means.
 6. The combination ofclaim 5, wherein said ignition switch, said solenoid switch and saidactuating means therefor is a rotary switch comprising a fixed contactorplate of electrically insulating material, exposed battery, ignition andsolenoid contactor segments embedded in said plate, a rotatable bridgingmember at one side of the plate, said member being of electricallyconductive material and having portions thereof in sliding contact withthe contact plate, with said segments and said portions of the bridgingmember being so constructed and arranged that said bridging member isspaced from the solenoid segment while concurrently contacting thebattery and ignition segments, is spaced from the ignition segment, andis in contact with all three of said segments when the actuating meansis respectively in its first, intermediate and second positions, andswitch terminals on the other side of the plate and connector to thesegments through the plate.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein anexposed burnishing element is located in the contactor plate and isdisposed to be slidably engaged by one of the portions of the bridgingmember during movement of actuating means through the intermediateposition whereby such portion is burnished.
 8. The combination of claim7, wherein said element is electrically insulative.
 9. The combinationof claim 8, wherein the element is embedded in the ignition segment inan arrangement such as to effect the recited spacing of the bridgingmember and the ignition segment when the actuator means is in itsintermediate position, for momentary deenergization to thereby effect avisual lamp blinking indication to persons remote from the vehicle thatthe operator is attempting to initiate motor operation.
 10. Incombination with a rotary-type ignition switch such as employed inconjunction with the electrical ignition and electrical starter systemsof automotive vehicles and of the type including a fixed plate ofelectrically insulative material in which are embedded exposed battery,iGnition and solenoid segments that are arranged to be contacted byportions of a rotary bridging member for selectively electricallyisolating the battery segment from both of the other segments,electrically coupling the battery segment to the ignition segment whileelectrically isolating the same from the solenoid segment, andelectrically coupling the battery member is successively rotated throughfirst, second and third angular position ranges; the combinationtherewith of means for electrically isolating the battery segment fromthe ignition segment when the bridging member is disposed within anintermediate angular portion of the second positional range of thebridging member.
 11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the last saidmeans comprises an exposed element of electrically insulative materialembedded in the ignition segment.
 12. The combination of claim 11,wherein the embedded element is disposed to be slidably engaged bybridging member and includes an abrasive for burnishing said member. 13.In an automobile of the type wherein there is provided conventionalelectrical headlamps and electrical tail lamps, and wherein there is aninternal combustion engine for propulsion, such engine including anelectrical ignition system that must be energized by electricalconnection to a source of direct electric current for the engine to beenabled to operate, and wherein ignition switch means is provided inelectrical series with a source of direct electric current forselectively connecting the ignition system to the source of directelectric current for selectively energizing the ignition system; thecombination therewith of electric signal lamp means on the automobilefor producing and directing light outwardly from the automobile whenelectrically energized and said signal lamp means being connected inelectrical parallel with the ignition system and in electrical serieswith the ignition switch means and the source of direct electriccurrent, whereby selective operation of the ignition switch means toconnect the ignition system to the source of direct current also servesto connect the lamp means to the source of direct current forenergization of the latter to thereby visually signal to observersremote from the automobile that the engine is enabled to operate. 14.The combination of claim 13, including a second electric switch meansfor selectively connecting the lamp means to the source of directcurrent, and means for preventing an operative electrical connection ofthe ignition system to the source of direct electric current by thesecond electric switch means, whereby the signal lamps can be energizedwithout energization of the ignition system.
 15. The combination ofclaim 14, including third electric switch means for selectivelyconnecting said electrical headlamps to said source of direct electriccurrent, and means operatively interconnecting the second and thirdswitch means for causing the second switch means to connect the lampmeans to the source of direct electric current when the third switchmeans connects the electrical headlamps to the source of direct electriccurrent.
 16. In an automobile of the type wherein there is an internalcombustion engine for propulsion, such engine including an electricalignition system that must be energized by electrical connection to asource of direct electric current for the engine to be enabled tooperate, and wherein a multifunction ignition switch means having acommon manual control is provided, with said common control beingmanually positionable in a plurality of positions, and the ignitionswitch means having a plurality of terminals including a batteryterminal, an accessory terminal, and an ignition terminal with thelatter connected to the ignition system for energization of the latter;said ignition switch means being operative (a) to prevent electriccurrent flow therethrough between the battery terminal and either of theaccessory and the ignition terminals when the manual control is in Afirst position, (b) to prevent an electric current there-through betweenthe battery terminal and the ignition terminal while establishing anelectric connection therethrough between the battery terminal and theaccessory terminal when the manual control is in a second position, and(c) to establish electric connections therethrough between the batteryterminal and each of the accessory and ignition terminals when themanual control is in a third position; a grounded electric storagebattery having one terminal connected to said battery terminal andconstituting the source of direct electric current, said ignition systembeing electrically connected to the ignition terminal for electricalenergization therefrom; the combination therewith of electric signallamp means on the automobile for producing and directing light outwardlyfrom the automobile when electrically energized, and said signal lampmeans being electrically connected to the accessory terminal forelectrical energization therefrom when the manual control is in its saidsecond and third positions.
 17. The combination of claim 16, including asecond electric switch means electrically connected between saidterminal of the battery and the signal lamp means for electricallyenergizing the signal lamp when the second electric switch means isclosed.
 18. The combination of claim 17, including means for preventingthe flow of electric current between the terminal of the battery and theaccessory terminal through the second electric switch means. 19 In anautomobile of the type that includes an engine for propulsion and anelectric storage battery together with means driven by the engine forcharging the battery; the combination therewith of electric signal lampmeans on the automobile, means connecting the signal lamp means to themeans for charging the battery for energizing the signal lamp means, andmeans for preventing energization of the signal lamp means from thestorage battery, whereby the signal lamp means are energized when andsolely when the engine is operating.
 20. The combination of claim 19,wherein the automobile is of the type including a voltage regulator andwherein the means for charging the battery includes a direct electriccurrent generator, with the means for preventing energization of thesignal lamp means being constituted of the voltage regulator.
 21. Thecombination of claim 19, wherein the automobile is of the type whereinthe means for charging the battery includes an alternator having arectified current output, with the means for preventing energization ofthe signal lamp means comprising a diode interposed between the batteryand the connection of the signal lamp means to the alternator.
 22. In anautomobile of the type including an internal combustion engine for thepropulsion thereof, with such engine being effective on initiation ofoperation thereof to initiate the existence of a physical condition thatcontinues during engine operation, with cessation of engine operationbeing effective to terminate existence of such physical condition; thecombination therewith of normally open electric switch means, sensingmeans for closing the electric switch means during the existence of saidphysical condition, electric signal lamp means on the automobile forproducing and directing light outwardly from the automobile duringenergization thereof, and a source of direct electric current, saidsource, switch means and signal lamp means being in electrical series.23. The combination of claim 13, including a second electric signal lampmeans on the automobile for producing and directing light outwardly fromthe automobile when electrically energized, and electric circuit meansincluding an electric control switch for selectively energizing thesecond electric signal lamp means from the source of direct electriccurrent.
 24. The combination of claim 23, wherein each of said lampmeans includes a plurality of electric incandescent filament lamps, apair of lamp clusters disposed at spaced positions about the peripheryof the automobile, with each of said clusters being comprised of a pairof electric incandescent filament lamps, one of such pair of lamps beingof the first mentioned signal lamp means and the other of the secondsignal lamp means.
 25. The combination of claim 24, including left turnelectric signal means including an electric incandescent filament lampwith means for selectively energizing such lamp from the source ofdirect electric current, a right turn electric signal means including anelectric incandescent filament lamp with means for selectivelyenergizing such lamp from the source of direct electric current, one ofsaid pair of clusters including a lamp of the left turn signal means,and the other cluster including a lamp of the right turn signal means.26. The combination of claim 19, including a second electric signal lampmeans on the automobile for producing and directing light outwardly fromthe automobile when electrically energized, and electric circuit meansincluding an electric control switch for selectively energizing thesecond electric signal lamp means.
 27. The combination of claim 26,wherein each of said lamp means includes a plurality of electricincandescent filament lamps, a pair of lamp clusters disposed at spacedpositions about the periphery of the automobile, with each of saidclusters being comprised of a pair of electric incandescent filamentlamps, one of such pair of lamps being of the first mentioned signallamp means and the other of the second signal lamp means.
 28. Thecombination of claim 27, including left turn electric signal meansincluding an electric incandescent filament lamp with means forselectively energizing such lamp, a right turn electric signal meansincluding an electric incandescent filament lamp with means forselectively energizing such lamp, one of said pair of clusters includinga lamp of the left turn signal means, and the other cluster including alamp of the right turn signal means.